A long relationship with movement. A return to working with my hands.
I’m James, the person behind Bodywork by James, a private myofascial release massage practice in Tomar, Portugal.
I was a professional modern dancer in my teens and twenties, and I’ve practiced yoga since I was eighteen. I’ve also received massage regularly for much of my adult life.
Movement and touch have been a constant thread: paying attention to how my body feels, noticing where I hold tension, and experiencing how good attentive massage can feel.
Eventually, I wanted to return to working with the body myself.
From the desk back to the body
For years, my working life was more conventional and largely spent at a desk. Over time, I realized how much I missed doing something physical.
I wanted to work with my hands. To move, pay attention, and do something that felt connected to a part of my life I had always valued.
That brought me back to bodywork.
I explored different massage approaches before finding myofascial release. The combination of slow movement, substantial pressure, and close attention felt right to me—both as someone receiving massage and as someone learning to give it.
The kind of massage I love
I’ve always been a massage person.
I’m drawn to the combination: firm work on areas of tension, the pleasure of relaxing into a massage, and that moment afterward when you notice you feel different.
More at ease. Deeply relaxed. Glad you made the time.
That experience is at the heart of what I want to offer through Bodywork by James.
Attention is part of the work.
Working through my hands reminded me of dancing: the awareness of movement, the shift of weight, and the need to respond to what is happening in the moment.
That is what I enjoy about this work. There is technique, but there is also attention.
I work slowly, adapt the pressure, and make time for areas that need it. Your feedback helps guide the session, whether you want a change of focus, less pressure, or a little more.
I want you to feel welcome, listened to, and comfortable saying what you need.
A small, personal practice
I’m building a practice where I can get to know the people who come to me and give each appointment proper attention.
For me, that also means continuing to learn: developing my skills, deepening my understanding, and staying curious about each person’s experience.
My aim is to offer massage you enjoy receiving and value afterward—whether you come with a particular area of tension or simply want to feel good.
A little more about me
I live in the Tomar area with my husband. Our life here is a big part of why I wanted to build this practice.
Outside the treatment room, I’m happiest with a balance of movement, nature, home, and time with the people I care about.
Working with the body brings those things together for me: a more physical, attentive way of spending my days, connected to the people and place around me.
Come and experience the work.
Firm, deeply relaxing massage, with time to focus on you.
60- and 90-minute appointments at my private practice in Tomar, Portugal.